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PROCEDURE OF IMPLEMENTATION

OF

RECOMMENDATIONS OF EXPERT

COMMITTEE ON OCCUPATIONAL

HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE

WORKERS OF THERMAL POWER

PLANT

March 13

0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Description

Page No.

1 Background 1-6

2 Methodology of the working of the Standing Committee

7-12

3 The Document for Implementation of Environment, Health and Safety issues

13-18

Appendix 3.1

Typical values as per present norms and compiled by NIOH

19-28

Appendix 3.2

Best Practices 29-35

1

Chapter – 1

Background: 1.0 A PIL Writ Petition (Civil) No. 79 of 2005 in Supreme Court was filed by an

NGO, named Occupational Health and Safety Association, Ahmedabad, against Union of India with respondents of the Ministry of Health and family welfare, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Environment and Forests and Ministry of Labor in respect of Environment and Health of workers related issues of the coal fired thermal power plants in India..

Outcome of Hearing on 30.1.2008: During hearing on 30.1.2008, counsel for petitioner made nine suggestions to reduce the occupational hazards as below:

(1) Comprehensive medical check up of all workers in all coal fired thermal power stations by doctors appointed in consultation with trade unions. First medical check up to be completed within six months. Then to be done yearly basis. (2) Free and comprehensive medical treatment to be provided to all workmen found to be suffering from occupational disease, ailment or accident until cured or until death. (3) Services of workmen not to be terminated during illness and to be

treated as if on duty. (4) Compensation to be paid to workmen suffering from any occupational disease, ailment or accident in accordance with the provisions of the workmen’s compensation act 1923. (5) Modern protective equipment to be provided to workmen as recommended by an expert body in consultation with trade unions. (6) Strict control measures to be immediately adopted for the control of dust, heat, noise, vibration and radiation to be recommended by National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), Ahmedabad, Gujarat. (7) All employers to abide by the code of practice on Occupational Safety and Health Audits as developed by the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS). (8) Safe methods to be followed for handling, collection and disposal of hazardous waste to be recommended by NIOH. (9) Appointment of Committee of experts by NIOH including trade union representatives and Health and Safety NGO’s to look into the issue of Health and Safety of workers and make recommendations.

Learned Additional Solicitor General submitted that Suggestion No. 1 to 7 have been accepted by the Central Govt. as they are broadly covered by various existing enactments and consequently proactive action would be taken for effective implementation of relevant laws in particular the areas covered by those suggestions. Ministry of Labour (Fourth respondent) may also take some steps to see that these suggestions and the relevant provisions

2

of various Labour Acts are properly implemented by the Central and State Governments to protect the welfare of these employees.

1.2 Constitution of the Expert Committee by NIOH: An Expert Committee was constituted by NIOH in April 2010 with Director NIOH as Chairman and representatives from all concerned organization including NGO and Trade Union. The Expert Committee in its report opined that Court Directives no. 1 to 5 are of general considerations and are usually covered by existing rules and regulations with minor adjustments. The committee was of the view that court direction no. 7 on Occupational Safety and Health Audit is to be followed as per the related Standard of the Bureau of Indian Standards. The recommendations of the Expert Committee are described as below.

1.2.1 Recommendations of the Expert Committee: (A) Specific recommendations: (i) Dust: Compliance with the standards specified under Factories Act and

Environmental (Protection) Act should be adhered to by engineering Controls. In addition the use of Personal Protective Equipment by workers should be ensured, if required. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be selected depending on the dust characteristics and the workers should be trained for its proper use.

(ii) Heat : Indian standards for exposure of workers to the heat are not

available. However, ACGIH and ISO Standards are available. The subject has been qualitatively covered under the Factories Act based on ACGIH Guidelines. The standards for exposure of workers to heat, specific to Indian conditions to tropical environment may be development under the provisions of the Factories Act. The power plants may ensure regular maintenance of the insulations in boiler and heated pipelines, and other locations. Proper ventilation of the area may be ensured.

(iii) Noise: Noise is a critical Parameter requiring special attention.

Compliance with the noise standards specified under the Factories Act should be ensured by engineering and administrative controls. In addition, the use of PPE (Ear Muffs/Ear Plugs) by workers in high noise area be ensured, if required. The PPE should be selected depending on the noise characteristics of the work place.

(iv) Vibration: Indian standards for exposure of workers to the vibration are

not available. However, ACGIH and ISO Standards for hand/ arm vibration as well as whole body vibrations area available (refer to page 35). The standards for exposure of workers to hand/ arm and whole body vibrations, specific to Indian context may be developed under the provisions, of the Factories Act.

(v) Radiation: Based on data available on radioactivity of coal and ash., the

radiation hazard is not significant in Indian coals. However, further data

3

needs to be generated on radioactivity levels in coal (including imported coal) used in power plants and ash generated.

(B) General Recommendations: (i) Use of Hazardous Material for Insulation: Certain materials such as

asbestos, glass wool etc used for insulation. These materials are highly dangerous to human health, if inhaled or if contacted with the eye/skin surface. While handling such materials, the PPE should be Provided to the workers as well proper disposal of waste asbestos and glass wool should be ensured. Nowadays, safer substitutes, such as p–aramid, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose, polyacrylonitrile, glass fibers, graphite are available, the use of which may be explored.

(ii) Compliance with provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act and its

amendments from time to time applicable for the power plants with respect to emission and discharge, ash utilization and hazardous waste management should be ensured to protect the ambient environment as well as maintain safe and healthy working conditions for the workers.

(iii) The generated fly ash need to be utilized as per the CPCB annual

implementation report on fly ash utilization (2009-10) that 100% utilization to be achieved by the power plants, within 5 years from the date of notification. For new CFTPPs, the fly ash utilization needs to be achieved within 4 years as per the notification.

(iv) It is desirable that the coal handling facilities are mechanized and

automated to the extent possible. (v) Occupational health services should be provided for wide range benefit to

the workers. Broadly, it should contain the facilities for occupational health delivery system with trained manpower and infrastructure including investigational facilities, environmental assessment, evaluation of occupational health status and first aid training of the workers on regular basis. These services should be independent and separate from hospital services (curative service) but should function in liaison with the curative service.

(vi) Periodic awareness programmes regarding the health and safety with

active involvement of the workers should be organized, covering each individual with a minimum annual average duration of 8 hours per worker. Regular community level awareness programmes may be organized in the vicinity of the plant for the family members of the workers.

(vii) Periodic medical examination (PME), as required under the factories Act

should be undertaken. However, the investigations performed under the PME should be relevant to the job exposures. Since coal/ ash handling workers are prone to dust exposure related diseases, due attention is required to those workers. In case of need, the frequency of PME may be scheduled, based on observations of the health check- up information.

4

Providing PPE and re-locating of job for those workers may also be considered.

(viii) As per recommendation of the Factories Act the workers need to be

examined radio logically (chest X- ray) on yearly basis. However , in order to avoid unnecessary exposure of the human body to the radiation, the regular yearly chest – X- ray is not recommended, unless urgent and essential. Considering the latency period of development of pneumoconiosis, it is recommended to undergo chest X ray every two years for initial 10 years and based on the progression, re-scheduling may be adopted. After 10 years it should be done on yearly basis or earlier depending on the development and/ or progression of the disease.

(ix) Health records should be maintained in easily retrievable manner ,

preferably in electronic form the. The provision should be made to recall the worker, as and when his or her check up is up is due. Pre- placement medical examination and proper documentation of records should be mandatory.

(x) A comprehensive document of environment, health and safety specific to

coal based thermal power projects should be framed. It should cover the legal provisions, management system, best practices, safe operating procedures, etc for various areas of thermal power plants. This will serve as a reference document for effective implementation of the provisions.

(xi) All CFTPPs should have environmental and occupational health and

safety management systems in place, which are auditable by third party, approved by the Govt of India (Ministry of Power). Participatory management regarding health and safety at plant level may be ensured.

(xii) The occupier of the CFTPP shall be responsible for the compliance of

provisions of the Factories’ Act for casual/ contractual labour on health and safety issues. In case of women workers, the provisions of the Factories’ Act, as applicable, shall be given attention.

The studies in respect of health and safety risk assessment in coal fired thermal power plants are lacking in our country. As suggested in the earlier field visit report of the NIOH scientists, the authorities may get executed broad based study on comprehensive health risk assessment. This will help building the database for comparison, evaluation and policy formulation for improvement of the health and safety of workers and the community. The report includes several recommendations to improve the working conditions in coal fired thermal power plants. A need was felt for a suitable administrative mechanism to ensure strict compliance, and comprehensively monitor implementation of the provisions/ regulations of health and safety of the workers, including casual and/ or contractual, and women workers. In view of the above the committee strongly opines that the Govt. of India may consider in constituting an Executive/ Standing Committee with independent function and authority on environment, health and safety in coal based thermal power plants. It is

5

suggested to strengthen the existing emergency preparedness and response plan of the CFTPPs, irrespective of size, power generation capacity and location. The executive/ Standing committee will also oversee the implementation of the suggestions given, periodically review the environment, health and safety performance of the coal – fired thermal power plants and make suggestion for continual improvement. 1.3 Constitution of the Standing Committee on Occupational Health and

Safety of workers in Thermal Power Plants:

In pursuance of the recommendations made by the Expert Committee by NIOH under the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 30.01.2008, Ministry of Power constituted a Standing Committee on Occupational Health and Safety of workers of Thermal Power Plants under the Chairmanship of Member (Thermal) CEA with Members from MOEF, NIOH, Min of Labour, FASLI, CPCB, NEERI, BIS, BARC, CEA, MOP, NTPC and Chiefs of concerned Power Generating Company/Utility vide MOP Order No. 9/4/2005-S.Th dated 31.10.2011 (Please refer Annexure 1). Terms and conditions of the Standing Committee:

(i) The Committee shall further oversee the implementation of the

suggestions given in the Report of the Expert Committee on Environment, Health and Safety issues in coal fired thermal power plants.

(ii) The committee may frame rules for conducting its business and procedure for carrying out visits/inspections of thermal power plants and other related activities.

(iii) The committee may act on its own or on the receipt of general specific complaints/representations.

(iv) The committee may co-opt subject matter experts as required. The expenses on the traveling and allowances of the members of the committee shall be borne by the respective organization.

(v) The committee will submit its report to the secretary (Power) and other member organizations on periodic basis. The committee may also submit specific reports to the Ministry of Power as and when required.

1.3.1 Deliverables expected from the Standing Committee: (i) Ensure strict compliance, and comprehensively monitor implementation of

the provisions/ regulations of health and safety of the workers, including casual and/ or contractual, and women workers.

(ii) To strengthen the existing emergency preparedness and response plan of

the CFTPPs, irrespective of size, power generation capacity and location.

(iii) To oversee the implementation of the suggestions given,

6

(iv) Periodically review the environment, health and safety performance of the coal – fired thermal power plants and make suggestion for continual improvement.

(v) Identifying new areas affecting occupational health like heat, vibrations etc. for which no regulations/standards exist at present and recommending standards/regulations to be made in this regard. Based on the above recommendations, new legislations prescribing regulations in the above areas may have to be introduced.

1.4 Constitution of the Task Force:

During the first meeting of the Standing Committee on 27.03.2012, it was suggested to have a task force to recommend modalities for the working of the Standing Committee. Accordingly, the Task Force under the Standing Committee on OH&S of workers of Coal Fired Thermal Power Plants was constituted.

1.4.1 Terms of Reference of the Tasks Force

i) Frame Methodology of the working of the Standing Committee on Occupational Health and Safety of workers of coal Fired Thermal Power Stations.

ii) To frame document specific to occupational health, safety and environment containing all provisions contained in Hon’ble Court’s directives. The document shall also include data/information needs for stock taking/assessment and formats for seeking data/information from stations/other agencies.

iii) Formulate process Mechanism and identification of nodal agencies for

data/information collection.

iv) Formulate process/manner of receiving and disposing of complaints received.

The task force had its meetings on 30.04.2012, 26-27.11.2012, 20.12.2012 and had detailed discussions on the tasks assigned to it. The findings of the task force are described in the subsequent chapters as below: Chapter – 2 Methodology of the working of the Standing Committee Chapter – 3 The Document for Implementation of Environment, Health and

Safety issues Appendix 3.1 Typical values as per present norms and compiled by NIOH Appendix 3.2 Best Practices

7

Chapter – 2

Methodology of the working of the Standing Committee

2.1 General : The Expert Committee in its report has summarized as below:

“It is observed that the issues related to occupational health, safety and environment are addressed through legal provision, such as the Factories Act, 1948, The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Boiler Act, 1923 Employees State Insurance Act, 1948, Employee’s Compensation Act, 1923, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 the Electricity Act 2003 and the rules and regulations/amendments made therein. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Mines, Central and State Pollution Control Boards, Directorate of Factories (& Boilers), Directorate General of Factory Advice Services & Labour institute, Director General of Mines Safety, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the State Factories Directorates/Inspectorates are the organizations responsible in promulgating related acts, framing model rules, state rules, norms, standards and guidelines, and its implementation.”

2.1.1 From Para 1.2.1 of this document it is evident that the areas covered under the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court are very diverse ranging from occupational health, environmental regulations, safety, workmen’s medical attendance and compensation etc. and relate to the issues allocated to different ministries under the allocation of Business Rules of Government of India. Few illustrated details pertaining to coal fired thermal power plants are indicated below:

Areas of Work

Concerned Subjects and Ministry (as per ABR)

Existing Regulations/Statutes

Pollution/emissions – Dust, Noise, Waste Disposal

MOE&F and MOL&E Environment and Ecology, Environment Research, Environmental Health, Environmental Impact Assessment

� Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

� Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974,

� Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

� Factories Act, 1948

Safety and conditions of work at Workplaces

Ministry of Labour and Employment, State Factories Directorates/Inspectorates, and State Labour Departments

� Factories, � Welfare of Labour,

Factories Act 1948 and State Factories Rules

8

� employers' liability and workmen's compensation;

� health and sickness insurance,

� improvement of working conditions in factories;

Medical facilities, compensation for illness

Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health

� Public Health hospitals and dispensaries

� Scientific societies and associations in medicine and health research areas

Factories Act 1948, Employee’s Compensation Act,1923 and ESI Act 1948

2.1.2 As brought out above, there are several existing statues/regulations related to the areas of work of the Committee under various acts/regulations which are being implemented by various Ministries/Departments and the State Governments/Departments. As such, the rules and regulations relating to occupational health and safety of workers already exist. The agencies to monitor the same are also identified under the relevant Act/Regulation. The activities of the Standing Committee should not interfere with the activities of these agencies identified under the Acts/Regulations.

2.1.3 As per the Transaction of Business Rules (TBR) of the GoI, every case in

which a decision is likely to affect the transaction of business allotted to

another department is to be decided through concurrence of all such

departments or by the cabinet. Also previous concurrence of the Ministry

of Finance is required to issue any orders which may otherwise have a

financial bearing whether involving expenditure or not.

2.2 Modalities of the working of the Standing Committee: The modalities

of working of the Standing Committee would have to be so chosen as to

avoid the issues of conflict of jurisdiction with the other agencies who are

already implementing the relevant legislations and to avoid cumbersome

procedures related to inter departmental consultations etc. Also, the

existing Regulations under various legislations like Environment

(Protection) Act, 1986, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,

1974, Factories Act 1948 lay down the requirements for periodic

measurement and reporting, and/or inspection by the designated agencies

like the State Pollution Control Board, State Factories Directorates /

Inspectorates and other Inspectors etc.

Thus, it would not be prudent to duplicate this entire mechanism

enforcement/ measurement /reporting by the Standing Committee as

9

neither it would be possible to replicate the entire enforcement

mechanisms by the Committee nor it would be desirable to do so for the

following reasons:-

• In case entirely new processes and systems are proposed to be

created, there will also be issues of jurisdiction, credibility of the

process, conflict with existing processes and feasibility and practicality

of implementation

• Domain knowledge, suitably trained manpower for enforcement and

infrastructure required for measurements etc. would be available only

with the relevant agencies enforcing the statutes.

• Lack of appropriate administrative powers etc. to Committee officials

under various statutes.

• Duplication of inspections and reporting requirements for the power

stations and problems/complications arising of variations in findings by

the Committee and other enforcement agencies.

• Additional financial implications on account of duplicate implementation

mechanisms.

2.2.1 In view of the above, the following approach, scope of work and

methodology is proposed for working of the Committee:-

a. The Standing Committee consist of experts of all fields related to

the task assigned to it and hence may function as a knowledge

domain for reviewing the implementation of various existing

Regulations in areas of Occupational Health and Safety in coal fired

TPS and identify/recommend improved processes of

implementation or requirements of new Regulations to respective

agencies as per the present allocation of work under the GoI.

b. Identify environment and Occupational health and safety

management system requirements in coal fired TPS and

recommend suitable administrative and managerial set up required

at stations and corporate levels.

c. Study Best practices prevalent in TPS in India/overseas and make

recommendations for their adoption suitably under Indian

conditions. Further, IS: 15793 may be referred for initial guidance in

developing the best practices.

d. Thus the spirit of working of the Standing Committee should be to supplement and strengthen the present mechanism or processes already in place with respect to specific areas of works by different

10

ministries or departments of the Central or State Govts. To achieve this, the committee may make periodic suggestions to the adopted method of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) aspects, and regulation for these will however be framed by concerned Ministry only.

2.3 Process Mechanism of Data Flow and Assessment / Compliance

Considering the deliverables expected from the Standing Committee, a process mechanism is elaborated in the following paras.

2.3.1 The job assigned to the Standing Committee may be divided into two broad categories namely,

(i) Ensure the implementation of stipulations of various Acts/regulations

pertaining to EHS aspects by CFTPPs by suitable mechanism. (ii) Study developments taking place on best practices on the issues

pertaining to EHS, identify new areas affecting occupational health and safety and recommend standards/regulations to be framed in this regard.

2.3.2 With a view to achieve the above functions, it is necessary to consolidate

at one place, the stipulations pertaining to EHS covered by respective act/regulation for the ease of monitoring. An effort has been made to compile these activities as EHS Parameter under para 3.6.1 of this report which are the essence of all the acts/regulations prevalent in the country in respect of EHS of workers.

2.3.3 For an effective implementation of the EHS parameters, every CFTPP

shall have to create an organization and document describing its policy and methodology for compliance. The guiding principles for framing the document are given in Chapter – 3.

2.3.4 The suggested structure of the Standing Committee for execution of said

objective should necessarily comprise of the following: i. Monitoring Group/ Surveillance teams for enforcement of the EHS parameters. ii. Expert Group for continual improvement.

The above two groups shall jointly and collectively meet the targets of the Standing Committee. The Committee shall refer matter to specialized organizations for creation of EHS benchmarks for the areas where they are not available.

2.3.5 After having an implementation document based on IS 18001 or OHSAS

18001 the concerned Power generating company shall ensure enforcement of the same in their organization. It is known that areas covered under the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court are very diverse ranging from occupational health, environmental regulations, safety, workmen’s medical attendance and compensation etc. and relate

11

to the issues allocated to different ministries under the allocation of Business Rules of Government of India.

2.3.6 Although, the validation of compliance of such EHS parameters is being

ensured by various authorities/agencies responsible for implementation of legal requirements as per the act/regulations, the owner of the CFTPP will engage a third party for conducting the external audit of the provisions pertaining to environment, occupational health and safety in the thermal power plant once a year. The audit may be carried out as per IS 14489 by the recognized auditors. Prior to availability of recognized auditors, the audits could be undertaken by the power plants from those presently carrying out such audits. The report of the auditor shall be submitted to the Standing committee for review. Expenses for conducting the third party audit shall be borne by the owner.

2.3.7 During hearing on 30.01.2008, the learned counsel for the petitioner vide

serial no 7 had suggested as follows:

“All employers to abide by the Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Audit as developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards.” As such it is the responsibility of the Power Plant owner to get the auditing conducted in line with IS 14489:1998 or latest version.

2.3.8 After the auditor submits the report, Standing Committee shall deliberate

on the “non compliance” portion of the report submitted by Auditor and issue suitable directions to the plant owner for improvement.

2.3.9 Standing committee shall hold the meetings region wise i.e. Northern

Region, Southern Region, Western Region and Eastern/North Eastern Region and review the reports of the Auditors pertaining to the power plant of that region. The meetings shall be held every three months. The meetings shall preferably be held at the power plant site and the Power Plant owner and the consultant / auditor shall be present during review by Standing Committee..

2.3.10 By and large, the Committee shall solely focus on compliance of all EHS

related legislations on a single window concept. 2.3.11 The “Expert Group for continual improvement”, as suggested in para 2.3.4

above shall be responsible to deliberate all other issues except monitoring of the EHS parameters. This group shall also deliberate on the subjects of Heat and Vibrations as suggested by Expert Group.

2.4. Complaint/dispute settlement Committee:

This aspect shall be included in the implementation document to be prepared by CFTPPs. The general guidelines are given as below:

12

2.4.1 Complaint/dispute settlement committee shall be constituted with General Manager/Plant head as chairman and members including representatives of trade unions to redress the grievances of the workers relating to environment, occupational health and safety. The committee shall meet periodically to hear the grievances.

2.4.2 Wide publicity shall be given by CFTPPs to all concerned about the constitution of the committee and also displayed at notice boards etc. the addresses of concerned authority to whom the complaints to be made shall also be displayed.

2.4.3 The unsettled disputes/grievances shall be referred to the concerned authority e.g. SPCB for issues related to pollution of the ambient Environment and to the State factories Directorate/Inspectorates on issues relating to Safety, Health and Environment at workplace.

2.4.4 The records of all complaints/disputes whether settled or unsettled shall be maintained and shall be made available to the third party auditor. The auditor shall inspect the records and intimate the status of complaints/grievances, the settlement/non-settlement to standing committee. The Standing Committee shall take up the matter in its regional meetings.

2.5. Surveillance team:

Surveillance teams for surprise checks of implementation of recommendations of the Expert Committee by CFTPPs will increase effectiveness of monitoring process. In the first instance, let the third party auditors check the implementation of the recommendations in the CFTPPs. After review of reports of auditors, the Standing committee may nominate some of its members for surveillance check of selected CFTPPs, if necessary.

2.6. Penalty / Reward System

Members of the task force are also of the view that for effective implementation of the recommendations of Expert Committee, there has to be a system of Penalty / Reward. It is suggested that this can be deliberated by the Standing Committee after getting the feedback of implementation by Third Party auditors

13

Chapter – 3

The Document for Implementation of Environment, Health and Safety Issues

3.1 The document for the purpose of implementation of Environmental., health and safety issues shall essentially cover legal provisions, management system, safe operating procedures, best practices, workplace standard and guidelines to mitigate workplace hazards, increase work efficiency, improve health and well being of the people involved. As such standard model documents such as OSHAS 18001 or BIS 18001 etc should form basis of such document. However, the compliance to legal requirements that are attributable to the OH&S hazards and risks in the field of coal based thermal power generation has to be ensured. In this process, it has to be ensured that implementation of any changes in the legal requirements is maintained.

3.2 The coal fired thermal power plant can adopt Occupational, Health and

Safety Management System of Bureau of Indian Standards. The EHS parameters can be taken from various legal requirement of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Factories Act 1948, Workmen’s Compensation Act, ESI Act etc.

3.3 The legal and general requirements to be covered in the document shall at

least focus on the following but shall not be limited to them, in view of continual improvement.

(i) Dust:

Compliance with the standards specified under Factories Act, 1948 and Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Rules framed thereunder should be adhered to by engineering Controls. In addition the use of Personal Protective Equipment by workers should be ensured, wherever required. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be selected depending on the dust characteristics and the workers should be trained for its proper use. Further the PPE should confirm to the relevant National/ International Standards.

(ii) Heat :

Indian standards for exposure of workers to the heat are not available. However, ACGIH and ISO Standards are available. The subject has been qualitatively covered under the Factories Act based on ACGIH Guidelines. The standards for exposure of workers to heat, specific to Indian conditions to tropical environment may be development under the provisions of the Factories Act. Compliance with the provisions under the Factories Act, 1948 and State Factories Ruled framed there under relating to ventilation and Temperature, Dust and Fumes and Artificial Humidification should be strictly followed. The power plants may ensure

14

regular maintenance of the insulations in boiler and heated pipelines, and other locations. Proper ventilation as per the relevant Indian Standards may be ensured.

(iii) Noise: Noise is a critical Parameter requiring special attention. Compliance with the noise standards specified under the Factories Act should be ensured by engineering and administrative controls. In addition, the use of PPE (Ear Muffs/Ear Plugs) by workers in high noise area be ensured, if required. The PPE should be selected depending on the noise characteristics of the work place and should confirm to the relevant National/ International Standards.

(iv) Vibration:

Indian standards for exposure of workers to the vibration are not available. However, ACGIH and ISO Standards for hand/ arm vibration as well as whole body vibrations area available. The standards for exposure of workers to hand/ arm and whole body vibrations, specific to Indian context may be developed under the provisions, of the Factories Act.

(v) Radiation:

Based on data available on radioactivity of coal and ash., the radiation hazard is not significant in Indian coals. However, further data needs to be generated on radioactivity levels in coal (including imported coal) used in power plants and ash generated. Further, it is necessary to take caution by CFTPPs and arrange for regular assessment and maintain records of the radioactivity levels of coal being used and the fly ash generated by the plants.

(vi) Illumination:

Adequate Lighting should be ensured in every Thermal Power Plant where workers are working or passing as per the provisions under the Factories Act, 1948 and State Factories Rules framed thereunder. The level of illumination should be atleast as mentioned in Table H.

(vii) Use of Hazardous Material for Insulation: Certain materials such as asbestos, glass wool etc used for insulation. These materials are highly dangerous to human health, if inhaled or if contacted with the eye/skin surface. While handling such materials, the PPE confirming to the relevant National/International Standards should be Provided to the workers as well proper disposal of waste asbestos and glass wool should be ensured. Further the clothing and used PPE of the workers exposed to asbestos dust should not be permitted to be taken out of the plant and should be safely disposed off as per CPCB norms. Nowadays, safer substitutes, such as p–aramid, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose, polyacrylonitrile, glass fibers, graphite are available, the use of which may be explored.

15

(viii) Compliance with provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act and its amendments from time to time applicable for the power plants with respect to emission and discharge, ash utilization and hazardous waste management should be ensured to protect the ambient environment as well as maintain safe and healthy working conditions for the workers.

(ix) MOEF notification on Fly Ash Utilisation.

(x) It is desirable that the coal handling facilities are mechanized and

automated to the extent possible.

(xi) Occupational health services should be provided for wide range benefit to the workers. Broadly, it should contain the facilities for occupational health delivery system with trained manpower and infrastructure including investigational facilities, environmental assessment, evaluation of occupational health status and first aid training of the workers on regular basis. These services should be independent and separate from hospital services (curative service) but should function in liaison with the curative service.

(xii) Periodic awareness programmes regarding the health and safety with active involvement of the workers should be organized, covering each individual with a minimum annual average duration of 8 hours per worker. Regular community level awareness programmes may be organized in the vicinity of the plant for the family members of the workers.

(xiii) Initial and Periodic medical examination (PME), as required under the

Factories Act, 1948 should be undertaken. The details of the examinations to be carried out should include those specified in Annexure – G depending on the nature of jobs being under taken. The workers exposed to coal/ fly ash dust exposure related diseases, due attention is required to those workers. In case of need, the frequency of PME may be scheduled, based on observations of the health check- up information. Providing appropriate PPE confirming to the relevant National/International Standards and re-locating of job for those workers may also be considered.

(xiv) As per the Factories Act, 1948 the workers exposed to coal/fly ash dust should be examined within 15 days of his first employment. Such medical examination shall include pulmonary function test and chest X Ray - Posterior Anterior (PA) view the power of the X Ray machine shall be more than 300 milli ampere (mA) to be compared with standard ILO Radiographs on Pneumoconiosis. Further, every worker employed in the said processes shall be re-examined at least once in every twelve months. Such re-examination shall, should include all the tests as specified above except chest X-ray which shall be read by a radiologist specialized/ trained in the field of reading ILO Radiographs

16

on pneumoconiosis and the chest x-ray which shall be carried out at least once in 3 years.

(xv) Health records should be maintained in easily retrievable manner , preferably in electronic form the. The provision should be made to recall the worker, as and when his or her check up is up is due. Pre- placement medical examination and proper documentation of records should be mandatory. The Health records of workers exposed to coal dust, fly ash and asbestos should be kept for a minimum period of 40 years from the beginning of employment or 15 years after retirement or ceasation of the employment, whichever is later and shall be accessible to workers concerned or their representative.

(xvi) Formulate process/ manner of receiving and disposing complaints received.

(xvii) All CFTPPs should have environmental and occupational health and

safety management systems in place, which are auditable by third party. Participatory management regarding health and safety at plant level may be ensured. The Safety and health Audit should be carried out as per IS 14489 by the recognized auditors. Till such date the audits could be undertaken by the power plants from those presently carrying out such audits.

(xviii) The occupier of the CFTPP shall be responsible for the compliance of provisions of the Factories’ Act for casual/ contractual labour on health and safety issues. In case of women workers, the provisions of the Factories’ Act, as applicable, shall be given attention.

(xix) Permit to work System should be strictly followed in activities which are being carried out in the most unfavourable conditions. Some of the important activities could include Hot Work, Entry into Confined Spaces, Excavation, Working at Heights, Electrical Lock out, Demolition of Buildings and Structures. Separate Permit forms should be developed and activities carried out after due authorization.

3.4 It is therefore, proposed that all power stations shall have an

implementation document based on BIS 18001 or OHSAS 18001 and intimate the same to “Standing Committee on Occupational Health and Safety of workers of Thermal Power Plant”. This is a minimum requirement. Accreditation of any other equivalent or better code of practice is also acceptable. The power station may use services of independent consultants for creation of such documents.

3.5 Further, the CFTPPs may also refer Central Electricity Authority

Notification dated 24.01.2010 titled “Central Electricity Authority (Safety Requirements for Construction operation and Maintenance of Electrical Plants and Electrical Lines) Regulations, 2010 for initial guidance. As per this Regulation, the owner of every coal fired thermal power plant should

17

have obtained the accreditation within two years (i.e., by January 2012) from the date of coming into force of these regulations. This implies that a majority of CFTPPs are already in compliance with the Regulation and BIS 18001. If some of the plants are still left out, they have the opportunity to ensure compliance to regulations thus meeting Standing Committee’s mechanism.

3.6.1 Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Parameters to be included in the implementation document.

The parameters to be monitored shall essentially comprise of the

following:

1. All recommendations of the Expert Committee as brought out in the

para 1.2.1of this report.

2. Contents of CEA notification dated 24.01.2010 titled “Central Electricity

Authority (Safety Requirements for Construction operation and

Maintenance of Electrical Plants and Electrical Lines) Regulations,

2010” including Schedule I, II, and III.

3. Parameters related to Environment as per CPCB.

These are the minimum requirements and may be incorporated in the

document to be prepared by CFTPPs. These parameters shall be

monitored for implementation of Occupational Health and Safety, and shall

be verified by third party auditor. It is desirable that the power stations

endeavour to attain values better than Threshold limiting values (TLVs) in

respect of these parameters. These parameters shall be divided under the

following broad category.

(A) PARAMETERS to be monitored by measurement. (a) Ambient Air quality (b) Air emissions: (e.g. SO2, NOx, Particulate matter, CO, CO2, Heavy

metals – Hg, As, Cd, V, Ni, etc. hydrogen floride, halide compounds, volatile organic compounds.

(c) Waste Discharges such as Liquid Effluents, oil, hazardous solid wastes, ash.

(d) Physical hazards such as noise, vibration and Lighting.

Note: Typical values as per present norms and compiled by NIOH are placed at

Appendix 3.1 for reference. These values will have be to ensured in

conformance with the latest guideline applicable. These parameters are

18

being monitored by concerned agencies under the law which may review

the same for further improvement.

(B) PARAMETERS to be monitored by statistical compliance

(a) Workplace hazards due to ergonomic issues (b) Health Procedures/issues (c) Safety Procedures/issues (d) Welfare Procedures/issues

19

Appendix 3.1

Table A

Standards of ambient air quality

Pollutant Duratio

n

Standards NIOH

suggestion

for

application

in CFTPPs

Indiaa

World

Bankb

WHOb

USEPAb

EUb

FEPAd

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Sulphur dioxide

(SO2) pg/m3

Annual

24

hourly

50

80

80

150

20

80

150

80

150

50

NAAOS,

CPCB

Guidelines

(2009)

Nitrogen dioxide

(NO2) pg/m3

Annual

24

hourly

40

80

100

150

40 100

150

100

150

85

- do -

Total Suspended

Particulate matter

(TSP),pg/m3

Annual

24

hourly

-

80

230

80

230

80

230

80

230

-

-

- do -

Particulate matter

(PM10),pg/m3

Annual

24

hourly

60

100

50

150

20

50

50

150

50

150

-

-

- do -

Particulate Matter

(PM2.5),pg/m3

Annual

24

hourly

8 hourly

40

60

100

-

-

-

10

25

100

-

-

-

- do -

Ozone (O3), pg/m3 1 hourly

8 hourly

180

2

10c

- do -

Carbon

Monoxide(CO),

mg/m3

1 hourly

4

-

30c

-

-

-

- do -

Ammonia (NH3)

pg/m3

Annual

24

hourly

100

400

-

-

-

-

-

- do -

Benzene

(C6 H6,) pg/m3

Annual 5 - - - - - - do -

Benzo(a)Pyrene

(BaP)-particulate

phase only ng/

pg/m3

Annual 1 - - - - - - do -

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

20

Arsenic (As) ng/

pg/m3

Annual

6

Nickel (Ni) ng/

pg/m3

Annual

Annual

20

0.5

- - - - - - do -

Lead(Pb) pg/m3 24

hourly

1 - - - - - - do -

Hydrogen

sulphide (H2S),

24

hourly

- - 150 - - 8 -

Note: a) National ambient air quality standard (NAAQS), CPCB New Delhi, 18 Nov

2008 (B-29016/20/90/PCI-I)

b) World Bank 1998, World Health Organization (WHO) 2005, US Environment

Protection Agency (US EPA) 1998

c) WHO 1999

d) FEPA (Federal Environment Protection Agency) 1991

The Ministry of Environment & Forest and CPCB are the statutory organizations

for formulating ambient air quality standards, and that also applies to the CFTPPs.

No reference level of ambient hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is available in India;

however, the workplace level of H2S concentration has been specified as per the

Factories Act (1948).

21

Table B

Threshold limit values (TWA, mg/m3) of chemicals at workplace

Pollutants India Factories

Act(1948)

AGGIH NIOH suggestion

for application in

CFTPPs Dust: total 30/[%SiO2+3] 10 Norms as prescribed

in the Second Schedule

of the Factories

Act, 1948

Dust: respirable 10/[%SiO2 +2] 2.0

(<5%SiO2 )

Coal Dust (respirable) 2 containing 2(1996)

Nitrogen dioxide(NO2) 6 5.6(2004)

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 5 5.2(2008)

Flurode(F) 2.5 2.6(1996)

Chlorine (Cl2) 3 1.5(1996)

Carbon monoxide (CO) 55 29(1996)

Ozone (O3) 0.2 0.2(1994)

Ammonia (NH3) 18 17(2003)

Benzene(C6H6) 1.5 1.6(1999)

Formaldehyde(HCHO) 1.5

Toluene 375 75.36(2006)

Xylenes 435 435(1996)

Oil mist 5 5(1996)

Mercury (as Hg) –skin-

Alkyl Compounds

0.01 0.025(2003)

Manganese dust and

compounds (as Mn)-C

5 0.2(2009)*

Lead(Pb) 0.15 0.05(2007)

Chromic Acid and

Chromates (as Cr)

0.05 0.05(2006)

Arsenic(As) 0.2 0.01(2004)

Nickel Carbonyl(Ni) 0.35 1.5(2004)

Hydrogen

sulphide(H2S)

14 14(1994)

Numbers in parenthesis are the suggested year of standard.

ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists)

*Current TLV-TWA (Threshold limit value of time weighted average) for total

manganese to 0.2 mg/m3 for the inhalable fraction and 0.02 mg/m

3 for the respirable

fraction.

22

Table C

Emission standards of particulate matter of thermal power plants

Power Generation

Capacity

Standards NIOH suggestion for

application in CFTPPs India **

(mg/Nm3)

Great

Britain*

(mg/m3)

Spain*

(mg/m3)

USA*

(mg/m3)

EC*

(mg/m3)

210 MW or more

180 97 200 - 50 As per the Environment

(Protection) Act

Notification [GSR 742

(E), 30 Aug. 1990] Less than 210 MW

300 - - 37 -

500 MW or above

50 - - - -

* As quoted in Technical EIA Guidance Manual for Thermal Power Plants, prepared

for MoEF, Govt. of India by IL & FS Ecosmart Limited, Hyderabad, September,

2009, pp 235

** State Pollution Control Boards and implementing agencies may prescribe a limit of

150 mg/Nm3, depending on local situation

23

Table D

ACGIH threshold limit values for hot environments (Wet Bulb Globe

Temperature Index, WBGT)

Work/Rest Regime Light

(ºC)

Moderate

(ºC)

Heavy

(ºC)

Continuous work 29.5 27.5 26

75% work /25% Rest each hour 30.5 28.5 27.5

50% work/ 50% Rest each hour 31.5 29.5 28.5

25% work/ 75% Rest each hour 32.5 31 30

ACGIH WBGT Correction (Factors in ºC)

Clothing Clo* WBGT

Type Value Correction

Summer lightweight working clothing 0.6 0

Cotton coveralls 1 -2

Winter work clothing 1.4 -4

Water barrier, permeable 1.2 -6

Clo : Insulation value of clothing. One Clo = 5.55 kcal/ m2/ hr of heat exchange by

radiation and convection for each ºC difference in temperature between the skin and the

adjusted dry bulb temperature.

Comparable ISO (ISO 7243) recommended WBGT reference values are given in Table

below. The ACGIH and ISO Guidelines, as proposed do not match to the ambient

conditions of the tropical environment. Based on controlled climatic chamber

experimentation, the NIOH (Nag 1996) suggested to the MoEF (Govt. of India) the

permissible exposure limit values for hot environment, as tabulated along.

ISO 7243 and NIOH suggested permissible exposure limit values for hot environment at

workplaces (WBGT)

Work severity Unacclimatized men Acclimatized men

ISO 7243 (1989)

Resting M <65 32 33

65< M<130 29 30

130 < M <200 26 28

200 < M<260 22(23) 25(26)

M > 260 18(20) 23(25)

NIOH suggested levels (1996)

Sedentary 35.5 37

Light work 34.5 35

Moderate intensity of work 32 33.5

Heavy intensity of work 29 31.5

Extremely Heavy intensity of work 26.5 28

M – Metabolic rate (W.m-2

)

Values in parenthesis refer to sensible air movement and values without parenthesis refer

to non sensible air movement.

24

Table E

Standards for Ambient Noise – Leq dB(A)

Note:

1. Day Time(DT) shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

2. Night Time (NT) shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

3. Silence zone is an area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals,

educational institutions, courts, religious places or any other area, which is

declared as such by the competent authority.

4. Mixed categories of areas may be declared as one of the four above mentioned

categories by the competent authority.

5. Leq dB(A) denotes TWA (time weighted average) of the sound pressure level in

decibel on scale A, relating to human hearing

*NAAAQS/MoEF guidelines 25 Sept. 2000, New Delhi.

• World Bank Group (1998), Pollution prevention and abatement Handbook

• Australia, Japan & USA – As quoted in docstoc: Documents of resources for

small business of professionals, Santa Monica, CA, 2007, Pp 17.

Standards

Category

of Area/

Zone

India* World

Bank

(1998)

WHO

(2000)

US EPA

(1997/

2005)

Aust-

ralia

Japan USA NIOH

Suggestion

for

application

in

CFTPPs

DT NT DT NT DT NT DT NT DT NT DT NT DT NT

Industrial

Area

75 70 70 70 65 65 65 55 65 55 60 50 60-

80

55-

75 As per

NAAAQS /

MoEF

Guidelines,

2000

Commer-

cial Area

65 55 70 70 60 60 50 35 55 45 60 50 60-

80

55-

65

Residen-

tial Area

55 45 55 45 55 55 45 35 45 35 50 40 55-

65

50-

60

Silence

Zone

50 40 55 45 45 45 45 35 45 35 45 35

25

Inside Factory Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is suggested as 90 dB (A) for 8 hours

exposure (as per the Factories Act, 1948). A separate schedule incorporates provision for

noise prevention and protection under model Factories Rules MFR 120 Schedule XXIV

framed under Dangerous operations, section 87 for operations where high noise exists.

The vibration is a cause of health concern in CFTPPs’ however, the permissible limit

value for vibration has not yet been prescribed. The permissible level (Table 10) as

prescribed by ACGIH may be considered till the limit values are established and

prescribed in the Indian contest.

Table E (1)

Permissible Exposure in cases of continuous Noise

Total Time of Exposure (continuous or a

number of short term exposures)perday in

hours

Sound Pressure Level in dBA

8 90

6 92

4 95

3 97

2 100

1 ½ 102

1 105

3/4 107

1/2 110

1/4 115

Note (1) No Exposure in excess of 115 dBA is to be permitted

Table E (2)

Permissible Exposure Levels of Impulsive or impact Noise

Peak Sound Pressure Level in dB Permitted number of impulses or impact

per day

140 100

135 315

130 1,000

125 3,160

120 10,000

Note (1) No Exposure in excess of 140 dB peak sound pressure level is permitted

26

Table F

ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLV) for exposure of hand-arm vibration in

x, y, z direction

The vibration is a cause of health concern in CFTPPs’ however, the permissible limit

value for vibration has not yet been prescribed. The permissible level as prescribed by

ACGIH (given below) may be considered till the limit values are established and

prescribed in the Indian context.

Total daily exposure duration

(Hours)

Maximum value of frequency weighted acceleration

(m/s2 in any direction

4 to less than 8 hours

4

2 to less than 4 hours

6

1 to less than 2 hours

8

Less than 1 hour

12

• Directions of axes in the three-dimensional system.

Standard Method by IS-2631 (ISO 1974, 1985):

Vibration dose value = [ a(t)4 dt]

1/4 , where a = acceleration (m/s

2)

Hand-arm vibration:

• 5m/s2

for 8h daily exposure limit and

• 2.5 m/ s2

8h daily exposure action value

Whole-body vibration:

• 1.15 for 8h daily exposure limit and

• 0.5 m/ s2

8h daily exposure action value

(European Directive 2002/44/CE)

Note: The values given above are applicable for all industries in foreign countries and

needs to be evaluated for Thermal Power Stations in India before adopting the same.

27

Table G

Details of Special Medical Examinations to be carried out for

different operations in Coal Fired Thermal Power Plants

As per the Provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 and State factories Rules framed

thereunder the following are the medical tests to be carried out on the workers

exposed to high noise or Coal Dust/Fly Ash or Asbestos

Exposure of the

worker to

Tests to be carried out Periodicity of the

test

Noise Audiometry Once in a year

Coal Dust/Fly

Ash

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Chest X Ray PA View

Once in a year

Once in 3 years

Asbestos Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

sputum examination for asbestos bodies

Chest X Ray PA View

Once in a year

Once in a year

Once in 3 years

28

Table H

Level of Illumination

The minimum level of illumination should be as specified under the

State Factories Rules, framed under the Factories Act, 1948 as given

below

Sl. No Area and Work-room Minimum Intensity of

Illumination in Lux

1 Stock Yards, Main entrance and exit roads,

cat-walks of outdoor plants, coal unloading

and storage areas

20

2 Passage-ways, and corridors and stairways,

stock-rooms for large and bulky materials,

platforms of outdoor plants, basements

50

3 Engine and Boiler rooms, passengers and

freight elevators, conveyors, crating and

boxing department, store rooms and stock

rooms for medium and fine materials, locker

rooms, toilets and wash rooms

100

29

Appendix 3.2

Best Practices The Best Practices shall address to an identified or anticipated hazard in a coal fired power plant. The practices shall be grouped in broad segments such as Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment etc. Typical Best Practices are given below, other potential hazard areas may be identified and best practices be elaborated for them. An approach based on technological options and attitude / perception changes may be followed for evolving such best practices. Further, IS: 15793 may be referred for initial guidance in developing the best practices. A. Training:

i. It should be mandatory on the part of all employees, new or old to participate

in various H&S training programmes as offered from time to time. The employees shall take such programmes with sincerity and diligently.

B. Fire Prevention: i. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the factory premises for all persons,

which includes Employees, Contractors/ workers, guests and visitors. ii. Only 24 volt portable hand lamps of approved flame proof fittings and

construction shall be used in the Hazardous area classification and inside the confined spaces/ tanks/vessels, etc.

iii. All employees shall familiarise themselves with the fire protection equipment

provided at their job location and it's use. Prompt action is essential for effective fire fighting. Knowledge of fire fighting equipment, their location and method of use is necessary to enable quick and right action in case of fire. The Workers should be trained in fire fighting and rescue operations

iv. Fire fighting equipment are provided for use to extinguish fire during Fire

Emergency. They shall always be maintained in good condition & accessible. They should not be misused.

v. Any work activity, involving naked flame or involving equipment-having

potential for a source ignition shall be carried out under the authority of Hot Work Permit.

vi. Manholes, other sewer connections are the points of possible gas

accumulations. Employees should exercise special care to see that these openings are properly covered and protected from contact of sparks, flame or hot metals pieces. Welding/gas cutting operations should not be carried out above the sewers/pits unless protected suitably.

30

vii. Good house keeping is an important aspect of any fire prevention program. Keep work areas free from combustible wastes and trash.

viii. INFLAMMABLE solvent shall not be used for cleaning purpose. ix. Fire Dept. must be informed immediately when any fire equipment is used or

found missing or defective so that it is replaced immediately. x. Any incident of fire in the plant or in any other area of the factory shall be

reported to the State Factories Directorate/Inspectorate xi. promptly by pulling nearest Manual Call Point (MCP) or calling Telephone No.

101or Emergency Control Room xii. In the event of a fire incident or any other emergency in the plant, the persons

not concerned in coping with the fire or emergency shall not make crowd at the site of emergency as spectators.

C. Traffic and Vehicles Movement Inside the premises: i. All vehicles shall be in good maintenance and road worthy condition and

users shall possess valid driving license. ii. Speed limit (20 km./hour) shall be strictly observed inside the plant premises.

In the event of an emergency, the emergency vehicles requiring quick turn out shall blow vehicle siren and keep emergency flashing light ‘ON’ while exceeding site speed limit to rush the site of emergency.

iii. Vehicles/mobile equipment with internal combustion engine, requiring

movement/operation in side Hydrogen plant/station and Main stores shall have spark/flame arrestor (muffler) fitted at the engine exhaust pipe.

iv. All the vehicles shall be parked at the specified parking places in the plant. No

person shall lie down under or near a parked vehicle to take rest or sleep. v. Vehicle shall not be parked on the roadside. vi. The pedestrians are supposed to walk on one side of the road or on the

walkways only, wherever provided (within yellow lines).

vii. Pedestrian walkways should be provided in all plant roads and persons should not be allowed walk on the vehicular roads except on the pedestrian path which should be clearly marked. Adequate signages should be provided.

D. Electrical Equipment:

i. Only authorised & competent persons are allowed to work on electrical apparatus, equipment/lines etc.

31

ii. Employees should report immediately to the supervisor about defective or otherwise hazardous electrical equipment, if they notice any time.

iii. The temporary electrical switchboards shall be provided with an ELCB

(not exceeding 30mA) installed before using power supply. Electrical cables with joints shall not be used for power supply to portable electrical equipment/tools.

iv. Portable electrical tools shall never be used without ground wires/earth

connections except in case of double insulated type equipment. The power supply circuit shall have a 30mA ELCB installed for tripping power supply in case of any earth fault.

v. Before opening or doing any maintenance/inspection work on any

electrical equipment / machine, it shall be electrically isolated /de-energized. No person shall be allowed to work on live electrical apparatus / equipment / machine / wires etc. If, it is required to work on live electrical apparatus / equipment / machine, etc. for the purpose of inspection or testing, etc., necessary safety precautions under the close supervision of electrical engineer shall be taken to avoid contact of electrical energy. Permit to work system should be strictly followed.

vi. It is always a safe practice and necessary to switch off and tag out local

switch also, if any electrical equipment is required to be isolated electrically/de-energized at MCC for maintenance to avoid accident. The responsibility for ensuring that a local switch is switched off /tagged out, lies with the operation dept. responsible for the equipment.

E. Material Handling

i. It should be ensured that appropriate and PPE confirning to national/international Standards are always used, while handling materials. It will be helpful in minimizing minor hand injuries.

ii. The employees involved in handling materials overhead shall install the

necessary barricades, warning signs or any other steps to prevent persons from walking beneath the load/over head activity.

iii. The employees should not walk under suspended load while it is being

handled. iv. So far as practicable, employees should not be allowed to keep their

hands on suspended loads. Use rope lines, sticks or similar devices for guiding the objects while it is in a suspended position.

v. Do not get too close to a rope or cable under strain. vi. Employees shall not ride on a crane, hoist, or any other type of hoist not

specially designed for use by persons.

32

vii. Forklift trucks shall not be used to elevate persons on stacks or any other location for access.

viii. Before using lifting tackles, make a visual inspection for any defect. Any

defect should be reported immediately and rectified. ix. Always assure a right posture while handling materials manually. F. Work Below Grade Level: i. All excavations, manholes, valve pit, pipe trenches must be properly

barricaded or covered. If it is necessary to leave them un-attended at any time the supervisor concerned must ensure that necessary signboards are provided if such openings are left over night in the required locations

ii. All excavation work shall be authorized and carried out under Excavation

Work Permit procedure. iii. Employees should consider the need for providing shoring or other

supports for excavation. G. Eye Protection:

i. Eyes are delicate and vital for human life, it is necessary that the employees use appropriate eye protection such as goggles, face shields as per national/international standards when they are exposed to possible hazards.

ii. Eye protection (spectacles with side shield) shall be used by employees

whenever necessary. iii. No one shall endeavour to remove a foreign body from the eye. Report to

Health Centre Immediately H. Protection against gas:

i. Employees must know the location of gas masks/respirators in work areas

and shall learn its proper use. ii. Employees shall equip themselves with proper gas mask/respirators as

per the relevant national/international standards whenever it is necessary to work where toxic gases or vapours are likely to be present.

I. Working inside Process equipment: i. Any process equipment shall be made safe from possible sources of

hazards before opening, working on it or entering into it.

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ii. Every maintenance job, which requires an entry into, confined space, tank, vessel and Tunnels, etc. shall be carried out under Confined space - Vessel Entry Permit.

iii. All hot jobs shall be authorised and carried under Hot Work Permit as per

the procedure. The hot work permit shall be obtained from authorised person before the work is started.

iv. No job in plant operation areas shall be carried out without authorisation

by a competent person. J. Opening of process equipment:

i. While opening process equipment e.g., pipelines, pumps, drums,

compressors, vessels , columns, etc. treat them as if they were under pressure. The system must be fully de-pressurized and drained/flushed before opening. Adequate precautions must be taken and PPE used to avoid potential exposure to hazardous chemicals / material.

ii. While opening flanges and cover plates, loosen fasteners and remove the

far side first and relieve the pressure away from the men doing work, with sufficient number of bolts allowed to remain tight on the near side until the connection can be wedged open. Any un-anticipated entrapped pressure will then be dissipated in a direction away from the men doing the work.

iii. Care shall be taken to ensure grounding and bonding before opening

flanges or disconnecting the connections from the loading/unloading facilities of flammable liquids.

iv. If a system is required to be isolated completely, it will be necessary to

insert blinds whenever the equipment to be worked is connected with the equipment in service as valves may leak and cannot be solely relied upon.

v. All non-routine jobs shall be carried out under work permit procedure. K. Working at Height i. Proper scaffold and work platform shall be provided for jobs at height

requiring persons to work at an elevation of 6 feet or more from ground or where no permanent work platform/structure or access is available to work safely. Such temporary work platform shall have proper handrails, mid rails and access ladder attached to the work platform as per the safety standards/ scaffolding procedure. Relevant procedure “Safe Working at Height and Fall Protection” shall be followed.

ii. Suitable fall prevention or fall arrest devices shall be provided and used

while working on or near the unprotected walking surfaces /structures at an height 6 feet or more such as full body safety harness (safety belt) with

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life line(s) secured to a firm structure (overhead) or provision of safety lines, safety net to prevent risk of fall from height.

iii. Erection of scaffolds / temporary work platforms shall be done under

authorisation of work permit as per the ‘Scaffolding procedure”. iv. Suitable fall prevention and /or fall arrest devices, such as full body safety

harness(safety belt) with two security lines (life lines), safety nets or any other devices shall be compulsorily provided and used where temporary scaffold/work platform are not practically feasible.

v. Proper access equipment shall be used for access to high elevations. No

one is permitted to climb poles, structures, and column for access at high elevations. Forklift trucks shall not be used to elevate persons for access to height.

vi. Employees working overhead must take care of fellow employees working

down

vii. Crawling boards (roof top ladders) and safety belts shall be used for work on fragile roof. The lifeline of safety belt shall be anchored to a firm support. Provision of a horizontal safety line may be considered for anchoring lifeline, if there is no firm support is available.

L. Personnel Protective Equipment:

i. Personal protective equipment as per national/international standards are

provided for the safety of personnel for protection against probable hazards. All employees must be trained on the use care and maintenance of PPE to ensure their effectiveness.

ii. All employees must familiarise themselves with the location and use of

personal protective appliances, so that they can use them in the event of emergency without delay.

iii. Safety equipment, personal protective appliances and personal monitoring

instruments must be inspected before use. Never use defective, worn out equipment. Any defect shall be reported to the supervisor or plant safety representative.

iv. Safety equipment shall always be maintained in good condition properly

used and must not be mishandled. M. Health:

i. Every employee will have to undergo routine medical check up as per the

company H&S policy or emergency medical check up as advised by the Medical Officer.

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ii. It is advisable that employees should always keep their health card with them(which is issued from OHC after every health check up).

iii. All work injuries / illnesses shall be reported to the Occupational Health

Centre(OHC). iv. Employees, reporting on duty after illness due to work injury/chemical

exposure shall obtain fitness certificate from the company medical officer at the time of resuming duty.

v. No employee shall be allowed to work if he is declared unfit to work by the

medical officer due to personal injury/exposure, however, the medical officer may review certain cases of illnesses for considering restricted work duty on request by concerned HOD depending upon the merit of the case and work requirement.